Allergies World

Asthma Allergy: What is it that causes your Wheezing?

Asthma attacks are caused by an inflammation and tightening of the airways, which in turn brings about difficulty in breathing. Asthma allergy is quite common and can afflict people of all ages especially children. Some children appear to grow out of it as they get older, some don’t.

Like most allergy type conditions, the actual symptoms and the progression of the condition, varies amongst individuals. Most people, who suffer with an asthma allergy, have long periods where they exhibit no symptoms, interspersed with the flare-ups and wheezing attacks. These may last sometimes for days, or sometimes for just a few hours. Others must contend with the shortness of breath and restricted breathing on a daily or regular basis.

If you do suffer from this condition, you probably are looking to ease your symptoms, which are quite frightening at times.

The treatment of this medical condition depends on doing whatever you can to prevent an attack. The choices are normally, either avoidance of whatever it is that triggers the attacks, or medication to treat the asthma.

Identifying those things that cause you to wheeze is very important in managing an asthma allergy over a long period. Common triggers include stress, pollen, cigarette smoke, dog and cat dander, mold and dust, certain foods, cold weather, viral and bacterial infections, some chemicals, and even exercise.

Allergy tests are available from your Doctor or even online to help with identifying the problem trigger.

Once you have established the likely cause you can take steps to avoid it. For example, if the cold weather is a trigger, you can stay indoors as much as possible, during the winter, and cover your mouth and nose with a warm scarf if you do go out. If you are allergic to certain foods, you know to avoid them.

There are many steps you can take around your home to lessen allergen triggers and several lifestyle changes you can make to help you manage asthma allergy symptoms.

However, managing asthma allergies isn’t always as easy as just avoiding the triggers.

Often, the cause simply cannot be determined. In these cases the doctor may prescribe medication that is helpful. Normally the medico might supply two types of drugs. One of these is a quick acting drug, designed for use during the asthma attack. The other drug is a long acting drug and this one is aimed at prevention.

Generally, those with mild asthma allergies choose the fast relief medicine, and take this just whenever it is needed. The longer acting drug is the drug of choice for those who suffer the asthma symptoms quite regularly. On occasions, the asthma symptoms may be so severe that a trip to hospital for treatment and perhaps oxygen therapy is necessary.

There are available small instruments known as peak flow meters, which measure the rate at which the patient can exhale breath. Low readings indicate inflammation and restriction of the breathing airway, and so if used regularly, this can provide advanced warning of an attack, before other symptoms are noticed. The taking of medication immediately, may stop or even reverse the asthma attack before it becomes more severe.

Asthma allergy can become serious if not properly treated. Although there is no cure, the condition can usually be successfully managed. The success of the treatment really depends upon the commitment to avoiding known triggers and taking medication as advised.